Inter are currently the table toppers in the Italian league.

Roberto Mancini hopes to give the Inter Milan a good Christmas presentReuters

Italian league toppers Inter Milan host Lazio at San Siro in gameweek 17 of the Serie A on Sunday, 20 December.

The Nerazzurri are four points clear at the top of the table, and a win against the two-time Italian champions Lazio tonight will give them a huge boost going ahead in the Serie A this season.

"It's nice to be first at this point of the season, but what matters is being at the top at the end of the championship," Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini said ahead of the game. The former Manchester City coach had said the start of the year he wanted his team to make a top-four finish at the end of the season and confirm a UEFA Champions League berth.

Their recent form has definitely given them a boost to fulfil that aim.

Lazio, meanwhile, are struggling. They are currently 12th in the table with 20 points from 12 games, and have lost four of their previous six fixtures in the league. However, club manager Stefano Pioli still believes they can defeat the home side tonight.

"There is hope that we can put forth a great performance," said the Italian coach. "My job is to motivate my boys, technical and tactical work was completed today, the spirit and quality but can make a difference. My players know that tomorrow they have to leave the soul at the San Siro."